Sep 28, 2020 • Filed to: Solve Mac Problems • Proven solutions
- Mac Os 10.15.6 Update
- Windows Os For Mac
- Check For Mac Os Updates
- Os Update Mac Yosemite
- Os Mac Update 2019
Well, macOS latest version - Mojave is eventually available out there to download and install. Fortunately, updating Mac to its latest version is a truly easy, straightforward, and free process. More importantly, the update process doesn't take as much time as it takes before. Before you try to update your Mac software, we suggest you read this article.
Jul 31, 2020 Open the App Store app on your Mac. Click Updates in the App Store toolbar. Use the Update buttons to download and install any updates listed. When the App Store shows no more updates, the installed version of macOS and all of its apps are up to date. That includes Safari, iTunes, iBooks, Messages, Mail, Calendar, Photos, and FaceTime. Visual Studio 2019 for Mac. Develop apps and games for iOS, Android and using.NET. Download Visual Studio for Mac. Create and deploy scalable, performant apps using.NET and C# on the Mac.
There are various things you need to know before you update so that everything goes smoothly while and after updating. In this article, we have covered all the things you need to know when it comes to Apple Mac software updates.
Part 1: Reasons for Mac Software Update:
Have you ever wondered why it is always recommended that you should update your Mac software? Well, there are a number of reasons for this. Plus, there are a lot of situations when there is a requirement for updating Mac software. So, why upgrading Mac is so important? Here, we are going to mention the reasons you need to know:
- Security - As you also know that the new update always brings some enhancements and improvements, particularly with respect to security. Also, the new update fixes bugs and other issues you're experiencing in your current Mac software.
- High-Efficiency Video Coding - With updated software on Mac, you can have a new video standard i.e. HEVC. This new video standard is capable of preserving up to 4k resolution and at the same time, reduces file size up to 40%. Thus, it enables you to save a lot of high-quality videos on the Mac.
- Updated Photos - The latest macOS version brings a lot of advanced and interesting editing tools in the built-in Photos app for Mac. So, this will easily provide your pictures a great look and also, helps in organizing pictures in an efficient manner on Mac.
- Siri on Mac - macOS Sierra and above brings Siri, a virtual assistant to the Mac along with some new features designed mainly for desktop. On Mac, Siri is your intelligent personal virtual assistant that helps you multitask to do things easily.
- Updated Safari - With new and latest macOS version, Safari will help to keep you interest activities hidden and secure from advertisers automatically. Plus, you can prevent videos from playing automatically so to enhance browsing speed and experience.
As you can see that there are a lot of benefits to getting the latest Mac software update. If you are ready to update your Mac software, then continue reading this post.
Part 2: Preparations Before Mac Software Update
Before you update Mac, here is what you actually need to do in order to get your Mac computer ready for the software update.
1: Check Your Mac Compatibility:
Checking the Mac compatibility is one of the most crucial things you need to do before you begin with the software update process. Keep in mind that if you attempt to update your Mac software to incompatible macOS, then you can experience some problems and issues later.
Let's take an instance - the apps quit unexpectedly, Mac doesn't complete the starting up procedure, and much more. Thus, you need to check your Mac OS for the latest macOS version compatibility. Following Mac model can be upgraded to the latest version - macOS Mojave:
- MacBook - early 2015 or newer
- MacBook Air - mid-2012 or newer
- MacBook Pro - mid-2012 or newer
- Mac mini - late 2012 or newer
- iMac - late 2012 or newer
- iMac Pro - 2017
- Mac Pro - mid-2010 or newer.
2: Backup Software Files:
It is advisable to backup your data before you start the upgrade process. It is also one of the most important things to do when it comes to the Mac software update.
Wonder how to backup software files on Mac? Well, you can easily create back up of your Mac data using Time Machine hard drive or third-party hard drive. Else, you can transfer or save your important software files to external hard drive before upgrading.
3: Check Mac Storage:
The next step is to check your Mac storage as you need enough space on the Mac in order to update its software without any trouble. Thus, ensure that you are having at least 12.5 GB of free storage and at least 2GB of memory on the Mac.
4: Check the Internet Connection:
Generally, macOS update problems and issues occur due to the weak and unstable internet connection. Thus, if you want to avoid these problems during your upgrade process, make sure that you have a reliable and strong internet connection. Otherwise, you are sure to experience connectivity issues during the process.
These are the few things you need to do before you perform the latest Mac software update. Once ensuring all the above things, you can finally move to the main part i.e. how to update your Mac software.
Part 3: How to Update Mac Software:
Well, there is no doubt that macOS updates enhance the performance, security, and stability of your Mac and it includes updates for iTunes, Safari and other applications that are present in your macOS. So, let's begin to learn the Mac software update process thoroughly.
1: Mac Software Update from App Store:
If you are using an earlier Mac OS, such as macOS Sierra, or earlier, then all you need to do is to follow the below steps to keep your Mac up to date.
Step 1: To start with, run the App Store app on your Mac.
Step 2: Next, you need to click on the 'Updates' option in the App Store toolbar.
Step 3: Now, click on the 'Update' buttons in order to download and install updates if they are available for your Mac system.
If the App Store on your Mac displays no more updates, then your macOS version and all applications are already up to date.
2: Enable the Automatic Software Update:
Do you want that your Mac download updates automatically in the future? If so, then you can easily do that. All you need to do is to enable automatic software update option to stop yourself from downloading updates manually on your Mac.
Follow the below steps on how to turn on automatic software update on Mac:
Step 1: To start with, select 'Apple Menu' and then, go to the 'System Preferences'.
Step 2: Here, tap 'App Store' and then, choose 'Download newly available updates in the background'.
Now, your Mac system will notify or alert you when any updates are available to download and install. Thus, there is now no need to check manually if updates are available to install.
3: Install APP Update without APP Store:
Do you want to install updates for those apps you don't come from the App Store? If so, then here are some ways you can try to install app updates without the app store.
- Update within the app if available - A lot of apps you download from discs or websites come with a built-in update option. You can find one in the File or Help menus. Next, follow the instructions to check for and download and install any updates that are available.
- Update via the developer's website - Some app developers do post patches for their applications on their websites. So, go to the homepage for the app you want to update and then, check either the 'Downloads' or 'News' section to check if a new version is available to download and install.
- Download and install the new version - Well, there are a lot of apps you install from online sources don't come with update options. Instead, they have to be installed freshly with their latest version.
Here is how you can do that:
Step 1: Download and install the installer for the latest version of the application from its official website.
Step 2: Drag your already existing application to the Trash from Applications folder to delete it.
Step 3: Finally, you need to run the installer you downloaded and then, drag the app to the Application folder to install its latest version.
4: Upgrade to the Latest Mac OS Version:
Wonder how to update the software on Mac to the latest Mac OS version? Well, it is easy and free to do. Follow the below steps to learn the update process:
Step 1: To begin with, run the App Store app on your Mac.
Step 2: Then, look for the page in the app for the latest version of Mac OS. This will generally appear at the top of the tab called 'Featured'. If it is not, then you will see it at the top of the section 'Quick Links' located at the right of the Featured page.
Step 3: Now, tap on the 'Download' button to start downloading and installing the upgrade.
Step 4: Next, launch the 'Install latest Mac OS' application in your Applications directory and follow the instructions to install the upgrade.
5: Get Updates for macOS Mojave:
Now, how to get updates for macOS Mojave? Well, you can easily check for any system updates available on your Mac and all you need to do is to follow the below steps:
Step 1: To start with, go to the 'Apple Menu' and then, open the 'System Preferences'.
Step 2: Next, click on the 'Software update' option, and if any updates are ready to download, click on the 'Update Now' button to download and install them.
Part 4: How to Recover Missing Files on Mac?
After Mac update software, you can experience terrible problems such as missing or lost files after the update process. There are a number of causes behind the missing files when updating macOS, for instance, haven't created a backup with Time Machine, the new software installed interruptedly, insufficient storage space, etc.
What if you still lose your important files even after taking all precautions to avoid missing files situation? Then, you need dedicated data recovery software like Recoverit Mac Data Recovery that can help you get back lost data with ease. So, try this data recovery solution and recover your lost, missing or deleted files with a high recovery rate. It has a click-through and simple recovery process that will take a few moments to complete the entire process.
To learn how to recover missing files on Mac, download Recoverit data recovery on your Mac and then, follow the below steps:
Step 1: Select a location
Install and run the software and next, you need to choose a location on your Mac where you think you lost your files. Next, click on the 'Start' button to continue.
Step 2: Scan the location
Now, the software will begin with the scan process to look for the lost or missing files on your selected location.
Step 3: Preview and recover missing files
In a while, the software will show the scanned results and you can preview files. Finally, select the desired ones and then, click on the 'Recover' button to get back your files.
Conclusion:
We hope that you now got a clear idea about how to do a software update on Mac. Here, you will find everything you need to know about updating the software on your Mac. This guide has also provided the solution to get missing files after the update in the form of Recoverit data recovery for Mac.
What's Wrong with Mac
- Recover Your Mac
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- Learn Mac Hacks
So, you’ve decided to download an older version of Mac OS X. There are many reasons that could point you to this radical decision. To begin with, some of your apps may not be working properly (or simply crash) on newer operating systems. Also, you may have noticed your Mac’s performance went down right after the last update. Finally, if you want to run a parallel copy of Mac OS X on a virtual machine, you too will need a working installation file of an older Mac OS X. Further down we’ll explain where to get one and what problems you may face down the road.
A list of all Mac OS X versions
We’ll be repeatedly referring to these Apple OS versions below, so it’s good to know the basic macOS timeline.
Cheetah 10.0 | Puma 10.1 | Jaguar 10.2 |
Panther 10.3 | Tiger 10.4 | Leopard 10.5 |
Snow Leopard 10.6 | Lion 10.7 | Mountain Lion 10.8 |
Mavericks 10.9 | Yosemite 10.10 | El Capitan 10.11 |
Sierra 10.12 | High Sierra 10.13 | Mojave 10.14 |
Catalina 10.15 |
STEP 1. Prepare your Mac for installation
Given your Mac isn’t new and is filled with data, you will probably need enough free space on your Mac. This includes not just space for the OS itself but also space for other applications and your user data. One more argument is that the free space on your disk translates into virtual memory so your apps have “fuel” to operate on. The chart below tells you how much free space is needed.
Note, that it is recommended that you install OS on a clean drive. Next, you will need enough disk space available, for example, to create Recovery Partition. Here are some ideas to free up space on your drive:
- Uninstall large unused apps
- Empty Trash Bin and Downloads
- Locate the biggest files on your computer:
Go to Finder > All My Files > Arrange by size
Then you can move your space hoggers onto an external drive or a cloud storage.
If you aren’t comfortable with cleaning the Mac manually, there are some nice automatic “room cleaners”. Our favorite is CleanMyMac as it’s most simple to use of all. It deletes system junk, old broken apps, and the rest of hidden junk on your drive.
Download CleanMyMac for OS 10.4 - 10.8 (free version)
Download CleanMyMac for OS 10.9 (free version)
Download CleanMyMac for OS 10.10 - 10.14 (free version)
STEP 2. Get a copy of Mac OS X download
Normally, it is assumed that updating OS is a one-way road. That’s why going back to a past Apple OS version is problematic. The main challenge is to download the OS installation file itself, because your Mac may already be running a newer version. If you succeed in downloading the OS installation, your next step is to create a bootable USB or DVD and then reinstall the OS on your computer.
How to download older Mac OS X versions via the App Store
If you once had purchased an old version of Mac OS X from the App Store, open it and go to the Purchased tab. There you’ll find all the installers you can download. However, it doesn’t always work that way. The purchased section lists only those operating systems that you had downloaded in the past. But here is the path to check it:
- Click the App Store icon.
- Click Purchases in the top menu.
- Scroll down to find the preferred OS X version.
- Click Download.
This method allows you to download Mavericks and Yosemite by logging with your Apple ID — only if you previously downloaded them from the Mac App Store.
Without App Store: Download Mac OS version as Apple Developer
If you are signed with an Apple Developer account, you can get access to products that are no longer listed on the App Store. If you desperately need a lower OS X version build, consider creating a new Developer account among other options. The membership cost is $99/year and provides a bunch of perks unavailable to ordinary users.
Nevertheless, keep in mind that if you visit developer.apple.com/downloads, you can only find 10.3-10.6 OS X operating systems there. Newer versions are not available because starting Mac OS X Snow Leopard 10.7, the App Store has become the only source of updating Apple OS versions.
Purchase an older version of Mac operating system
You can purchase a boxed or email version of past Mac OS X directly from Apple. Both will cost you around $20. For the reason of being rather antiquated, Snow Leopard and earlier Apple versions can only be installed from DVD.
Buy a boxed edition of Snow Leopard 10.6
Get an email copy of Lion 10.7
Get an email copy of Mountain Lion 10.8
The email edition comes with a special download code you can use for the Mac App Store. Note, that to install the Lion or Mountain Lion, your Mac needs to be running Snow Leopard so you can install the newer OS on top of it.
How to get macOS El Capitan download
If you are wondering if you can run El Capitan on an older Mac, rejoice as it’s possible too. But before your Mac can run El Capitan it has to be updated to OS X 10.6.8. So, here are main steps you should take:
Mac Os 10.15.6 Update
1. Install Snow Leopard from install DVD.
2. Update to 10.6.8 using Software Update.
3. Download El Capitan here.
“I can’t download an old version of Mac OS X”
If you have a newer Mac, there is no physical option to install Mac OS versions older than your current Mac model. For instance, if your MacBook was released in 2014, don’t expect it to run any OS released prior of that time, because older Apple OS versions simply do not include hardware drivers for your Mac.
But as it often happens, workarounds are possible. There is still a chance to download the installation file if you have an access to a Mac (or virtual machine) running that operating system. For example, to get an installer for Lion, you may ask a friend who has Lion-operated Mac or, once again, set up a virtual machine running Lion. Then you will need to prepare an external drive to download the installation file using OS X Utilities.
After you’ve completed the download, the installer should launch automatically, but you can click Cancel and copy the file you need. Below is the detailed instruction how to do it.
STEP 3. Install older OS X onto an external drive
The following method allows you to download Mac OS X Lion, Mountain Lion, and Mavericks.
- Start your Mac holding down Command + R.
- Prepare a clean external drive (at least 10 GB of storage).
- Within OS X Utilities, choose Reinstall OS X.
- Select external drive as a source.
- Enter your Apple ID.
Now the OS should start downloading automatically onto the external drive. After the download is complete, your Mac will prompt you to do a restart, but at this point, you should completely shut it down. Now that the installation file is “captured” onto your external drive, you can reinstall the OS, this time running the file on your Mac.
- Boot your Mac from your standard drive.
- Connect the external drive.
- Go to external drive > OS X Install Data.
Locate InstallESD.dmg disk image file — this is the file you need to reinstall Lion OS X. The same steps are valid for Mountain Lion and Mavericks.
How to downgrade a Mac running later macOS versions
If your Mac runs macOS Sierra 10.12 or macOS High Sierra 10.13, it is possible to revert it to the previous system if you are not satisfied with the experience. You can do it either with Time Machine or by creating a bootable USB or external drive.
Instruction to downgrade from macOS Sierra
Windows Os For Mac
Instruction to downgrade from macOS High Sierra
Instruction to downgrade from macOS Mojave
Instruction to downgrade from macOS Catalina
Before you do it, the best advice is to back your Mac up so your most important files stay intact. In addition to that, it makes sense to clean up your Mac from old system junk files and application leftovers. The easiest way to do it is to run CleanMyMac X on your machine (download it for free here).
Check For Mac Os Updates
Visit your local Apple Store to download older OS X version
Os Update Mac Yosemite
If none of the options to get older OS X worked, pay a visit to nearest local Apple Store. They should have image installations going back to OS Leopard and earlier. You can also ask their assistance to create a bootable USB drive with the installation file. So here you are. We hope this article has helped you to download an old version of Mac OS X. Below are a few more links you may find interesting.